Just a few days after permission was granted for business events to resume with up to 100 delegates, New Zealand has opened the gate entirely, allowing events of all sizes to proceed due to its success over COVID-19.
Announced today by NZ Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, the move will take effect from the second week of June.
Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) has welcomed the decision, saying the sector will be thrilled it can get back to business, even with purely a domestic audience.
“Getting to this level has taken less time than we originally envisaged back in March, and we are now the envy of the world,” said CINZ Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins.
“New Zealand’s team of five million has proved we can unite against this virus, and our industry is committed to keeping New Zealand safe for meetings.”
Hopkins added that business events were the safest type of event that could be held due to their high levels of organisation and planning by professionals who adhere to strict codes of practice.
“Our message is it is safe to hold a conference, seminar, workshop, incentive travel event and gala dinner under already-developed and enhanced track, tracing, health and hygiene standards.
“We will also be working with the broader events sector to develop a voluntary code, to support New Zealand’s efforts in the key area of public health,” Hopkins said.
Australasian (NZ) Society of Association Executives, Brett Jeffrey, said customers could feel confident about the safety and security of their event, labelling the Prime Minister’s decision as a positive step forward and reassurance that event planning can resume unabated.